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Re: When do we know they made it through winter?

Re: When do we know they made it through winter?

April 1 is when I count hives to determine loses from the past year and the number that I am starting with in the current year. For my area March is a great starvation month. I have to keep my eye on them. They seem to want to raise brood but can't get out because of the rain.

Re: When do we know they made it through winter?

This is very location specific. For us we have dandelions in December through May, without a real massive flow from them. Our maples start in February, but everything shuts down again for a while after the maples and you can certainly lose colonies during this mini-dearth. I've lost hives during this period and have only beekeeper neglect to blame. So allowing for "neglect", I'd say the first real flow after the maples (typically fruit trees). However, assuming you're a good beekeeper, then if your bees make it to the maples, then you're probably in good shape, but watch them carefully - especially your biggest colonies.

Re: When do we know they made it through winter?

Being sick and tired of losing perfectly good hives during winter I am putting my ear against the hive bodies this year from time to time to hear them buzzing. If I don't hear anything I am not waiting until spring to see if they can be saved with some intervention. At least I can plan rather than get disappointed when the dandelions are in bloom and I have no bees.
Listening allows me to hear if they are moving up or down also. Some people use this movement to see if they have used up their stores.
If so, they need to be fed sugar syrup.

Re: When do we know they made it through winter?

It warmed up here enough today for them to break cluster and get out. Unfortunately, about 30 chilled on the top cover and died. I did take a peek inside thru the inside cover and saw some activity when I added some sugar for them to munch on. Temps are going to be in the 50 and 60 degree range the next few days, then cold again. Thought they might need a snack.

Re: When do we know they made it through winter?

The reason I asked was because I know I need to sell off some of my over wintered nucs. Was hoping for an earlier date so I could decide how many I need to sell without leaving myself short on bees. I guess I'm just going to have to make a decision and advertise them now and just HOPE I don't leave myself with less than I wanted.